Quantum Plasmonics: A first-principles investigation of metallic nanostructures and their optical properties

The electronic structure and optical properties of metallic nanoparticles are theoretically investigated front first principles. An efficient implementation of time-dependent density functional theory allows a fully quantum mechanical description of systems large enough to display collective electron oscillations and surface plasmon modes. The results are compared with traditional classical electrodynamical approaches. Different regimes of interest are identified, both where classical electrodynamical models yield accurate descriptions, and where quantum effects are indispensable for understanding plasmonic properties in nanostructures. The limits of validity of classical electrodynamics are clearly established for the study of a variety of relevant geometries.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Sciences

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Zuloaga, Jorge

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Nordlander, Peter J.

• Pure sciences
• Quantum plasmonics
• Metallic nanostructures
• Optical properties
• Nanophotonics
• Nano-optics
• Condensed matter physics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/70522

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/70522